Derivatives of 4-(n-azacycloalkyl) anilides as potassium channel modulators

ABSTRACT

This invention provides potassium channel modulators which are compounds of formula I 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     where at least one of W and Z is N;
 
where the moiety
 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     is one of Groups A or B below
 
A
 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     where Ar is a 1,2-fused, six membered ring aromatic group, bearing substituents R 1  and R 2  as defined below, and containing zero or one ring nitrogen atom; and where other substituents are defined herein. 
     The invention also provides a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one of the following: i) a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of formula I and ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug thereof. The invention also provides a method of preventing or treating a disease or disorder which is affected by activities of potassium channels, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a salt, ester, or prodrug thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/934,396, filed Jun. 13, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns novel compounds that modulate potassium channels. The compounds are useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders which are affected by activities of potassium ion channels. One such condition is seizure disorders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retigabine (N-[2-amino-4-(4-fluorobenzylamino)phenyl]carbamic acid, ethyl ester] (U.S. Pat. No. 5,384,330) has been found to be an effective treatment of seizure disorders in children. Bialer, M. et al., Epilepsy Research 1999, 34, 1-41. Retigabine has also been found to be useful in treating pain, including neuropathic pain. Blackburn-Munro and Jensen, Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2003, 460, 109-116.

A form of epilepsy known as “benign familial neonatal convulsions” has been associated with mutations in the KCNQ2/3 channels. Biervert, C. et al., Science 1998, 27, 403-06; Singh, N. A. et al., Nat. Genet. 1998, 18, 25-29; Charlier, C. et al., Nat. Genet. 1998, 18, 53-55, Rogawski, Trends in Neurosciences 2000, 23, 393-398. Subsequent investigations have established that the primary site of retigabine action is the KCNQ2/3 channel. Wickenden, A. D. et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 2000, 58,591-600; Main, M. J. et al., Mol. Pharmcol. 2000, 58, 253-62. Retigabine has been shown to increase the conductance of the channels at the resting membrane potential and to bind the activation gate of the KCNQ 2/3 channel. Wuttke, T. V. et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 2005, 67, 1009-1017.

The recognition of retigabine as a potassium channel modulator has prompted a search for other potassium channel modulators among compounds related to retigabine. Several such searches have been reported in the patent literature, most notably the following: WO 2004/058739; WO 2004/80950; WO 2004/82677; WO 2004/96767; WO 2005/087754; and WO 2006/029623.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I

where at least one of W and Z is N; where the moiety

hereafter denoted “Amine-Ring” is one of Groups A or B below

where Ar is a 1,2-fused, six membered ring aromatic group, bearing substituents R₁ and R₂ as defined below, and containing zero or one ring nitrogen atom;

where Ar is a 1,2-fused, six membered ring aromatic group, bearing substituents R₁ and R₂ as defined below, and containing zero or one ring nitrogen atom; where R₁ and R₂, are, independently, H, CN, halogen, CH₂CN, OH, NO₂, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CF₂CF₃, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, NH—C₁-C₆ alkyl, NHC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)N(CH₃)₂, C(═O)N(Et)₂, C(═O)NH—C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)OC₁-C₆ alkyl, OC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, OC₁-C₆ alkyl, SC₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(m)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, (CH₂)_(m)C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, Ar₁, (CH₂)_(m)Ar₁, phenyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, (CH₂)_(m)imidazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyrazyl, furyl, thienyl, (CH₂)_(m)oxazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)isoxazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)thiazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)isothiazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)phenyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyrrolyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyridyl, or (CH₂)_(m)pyrimidyl, which cycloalkyl and said cycloalkenyl groups optionally contain one or two heteroatoms selected independently from O, N, and S, and which alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, imidazolyl, pyrazyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, phenyl, pyrrolyl, pyridyl, or pyrimidyl groups are optionally substituted with one or two groups selected, independently, from OH, halogen, cyano, methyl, ethyl, or trifluoromethyl, where m is zero, 1, or 2; or R₁ and R₂, together with the ring carbon atoms to which they are attached, form a 5- or 6-member fused ring, which ring may be saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, which optionally contains one or two heteroatoms selected independently from O, N, and S, and which is optionally substituted with halogen, CF₃, or C₁-C₃ alkyl; R′ is H, halogen, CF₃, or C₁-C₃ alkyl; R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, CN, halogen, CF₃, OCF₃, OC₁-C₃ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ alkyl, all said C₁-C₃ alkyl groups and said C₁-C₆ alkyl groups optionally substituted with one or two groups selected, independently, from OH, halogen, C₁-C₃ alkyl, OC₁-C₃ alkyl, or trifluoromethyl; X═O or S; Y is O or S; q=1 or 0; R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where w=0-3, Ar₁ is a 5- to 10-member mono- or bicyclic aromatic group, optionally containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms selected independently from N, O, and S; R₆ is hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl; where all cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups optionally contain one or two ring heteroatoms selected independently from N, O, and S; where all alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups in R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, or Ar₁ are optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected independently from C₁-C₃ alkyl, halogen, OH, OMe, SMe, CN, CH₂F, and trifluoromethyl; where, additionally, all cycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl groups are optionally substituted with either an exocyclic carbon-carbon double bond or a carbonyl group; and where, additionally, the alkenyl and alkynyl groups are also optionally substituted with phenyl or C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl and all pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Such compounds are potassium channel modulators.

In alternative embodiments, this invention provides a compound of formula I,

where at least one of W and Z is N; where the moiety

hereafter denoted “Amine-Ring” is one of Groups A or B below

where Ar is a 1,2-fused, six membered ring aromatic group, bearing substituents R₁ and R₂ as defined below, and containing zero, one, or two ring nitrogen atom;

where Ar is a 1,2-fused, six membered ring aromatic group, bearing substituents R₁ and R₂ as defined below, and containing zero, one, or two ring nitrogen atom; where R₁ and R₂, are, independently, H, CN, halogen, CH₂CN, OH, NO₂, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CF₂CF₃, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, NH—C₁-C₆ alkyl, NHC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)N(CH₃)₂, C(═O)N(Et)₂, C(═O)NH—C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)OC₁-C₆ alkyl, OC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, OC₁-C₆ alkyl, SC₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(m)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, (CH₂)_(m)C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, Ar₁, (CH₂)_(m)Ar₁, phenyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, (CH₂)_(m)imidazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyrazyl, furyl, thienyl, (CH₂)_(m)oxazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)isoxazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)thiazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)isothiazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)phenyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyrrolyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyridyl, or (CH₂)_(m)pyrimidyl, which cycloalkyl and said cycloalkenyl groups optionally contain one or two heteroatoms selected independently from O, N, and S, and which alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, imidazolyl, pyrazyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, phenyl, pyrrolyl, pyridyl, or pyrimidyl groups are optionally substituted with one or two groups selected, independently, from OH, halogen, cyano, methyl, ethyl, or trifluoromethyl, where m is zero, 1, or 2; or R₁ and R₂, together with the ring carbon atoms to which they are attached, form a 5- or 6-member fused ring, which ring may be saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, which optionally contains one or two heteroatoms selected independently from O, N, and S, and which is optionally substituted with halogen, CF₃, or C₁-C₃ alkyl; R′ is H, halogen, CF₃, or C₁-C₃ alkyl; R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, CN, halogen, CF₃, OCF₃, OC₁-C₃ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ alkyl, all said C₁-C₃ alkyl groups and said C₁-C₆ alkyl groups optionally substituted with one or two groups selected, independently, from OH, halogen, C₁-C₃ alkyl, OC₁-C₃ alkyl, or trifluoromethyl; X═O or S; Y is O or S; q=1 or 0; R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where w=0-3, Ar₁ is a 5- to 10-member mono- or bicyclic aromatic group, optionally containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms selected independently from N, O, and S; R₆ is hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl; where all cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups optionally contain one or two ring heteroatoms selected independently from N, O, and S; where all alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups in R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, or Ar₁ are optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected independently from C₁-C₃ alkyl, halogen, OH, OMe, SMe, CN, CH₂F, and trifluoromethyl; where, additionally, all cycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl groups are optionally substituted with either an exocyclic carbon-carbon double bond or a carbonyl group; and where, additionally, the alkenyl and alkynyl groups are also optionally substituted with phenyl or C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl and all pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Such compounds are potassium channel modulators.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one of the following: i) a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of formula I and ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug thereof.

In yet another embodiment, this invention provides a method of preventing or treating a disease or disorder which is affected by modulation of potassium channels, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a salt, ester, or prodrug thereof.

This invention includes all tautomers and salts, as well as all stereoisomeric forms, of compounds of this invention. This invention also includes all compounds of this invention where one or more atoms are replaced by a radioactive isotope thereof.

This invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula I above where NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is each of the following: NHC(═O)R₅, NHC(═O)OR₅, NHC(═S)R₅, NHC(═S)SR₅, NHC(═S)OR₅, and NHC(═O)SR₅.

Thus, in one embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═O)R₅.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═S)R₅.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═S)SR₅.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is each NHC(═O)OR₅.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═S)OR₅.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═O)SR₅.

In one subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Amine-Ring is Group A and NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═O)R₅ or NHC(═S)R₅.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Amine-Ring is Group A and NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═O)SR₅ or NHC(═S)OR₅.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Amine-Ring is Group A and NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═O)OR₅ or NHC(═S)SR₅.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Amine-Ring is Group B and NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═O)R₅ or NHC(═S)R₅.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Amine-Ring is Group B and NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═O)SR₅ or NHC(═S)OR₅.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Amine-Ring is Group B and NH—C(═X)—(Y)_(q)—R₅ is NHC(═O)OR₅ or NHC(═S)SR₅.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA1 below.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA2 below.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA3 below.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA4 below.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA5 below.

In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula IB1 below.

In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula IB2 below.

In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula IB3 below.

In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula IB4 below.

In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula IB5 below.

In a more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where W and Z are both N.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where W is N and Z is C.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where W is C and Z is N.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where R′ is H, halogen, CF3, or methyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where W and Z are both N and R′ is H, F, or methyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides a compound of any of formulas IB1-IB5, where W and Z are both N.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of any of formulas IB1-IB5, where W is N and Z is C.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of any of formulas IB1-IB5, where W is C and Z is N.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of any of formulas IB1-IB5, where R′ is H, halogen, CF3, or methyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of any of formulas IB1-IB5, where W and Z are both N and R′ is H, F, or methyl.

In a more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In a still more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O; q=1; Y is O; R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; and R₁ is H, CF₃, or halogen.

In a still more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O; q=1; Y is O; R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted with methoxy, methylthio, or halogen; and R₁ is H, CF₃, or halogen.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O; q=zero; R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; and R₁ is halogen.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O; q=zero; R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; R′ is halogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl; and R₁ is halogen.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is S, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is S, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is S, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is S, q=zero, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is S, q=zero, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is S, q=zero, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is S, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is S, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is S, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In a more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In a still more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA-1, where X is O; q=1; Y is O; and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted with methoxy, methylthio, or halogen.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is O, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is O, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is O, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is S, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is S, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is S, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is S, q=zero, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is S, q=zero, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is S, q=zero, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is S, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA-1, where X is S, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is S, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is O, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is O, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is O, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is S, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is S, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is S, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is S, q=zero, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is S, q=zero, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is S, q=zero, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is S, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is S, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where X is S, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is S, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is S, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is O, q=1, Y is S, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is O, q zero, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In a still more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl, CH₂—C₅-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH₂CH₂—N-pyrrolidinyl, or CH₂CH₂—C₅-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another still more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl, CH₂—C₅-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂CH₂—N-pyrrolidinyl, or CH₂CH₂—C₅-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is halogen; R₂ is H, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl; X is O; and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is halogen or halomethyl; R₂ is H, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl; X is O; and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is halogen or halomethyl; R₂ is H, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl; R′ is halogen, methyl, or halomethyl; X is O; and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, or CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is O, q zero, and R₅ is C₃-C₆ alkyl, CH₂CH₂-cyclopentyl or one of the groups below:

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is halogen or halomethyl; R₂ is H, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl; X is O; and R₅ is one of the groups above.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is S, q zero, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is H, CN, halogen, CH₂CN, OH, NO₂, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CF₂CF₃, C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is C(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, NHC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)N(CH₃)₂, C(═O)N(Et)₂, C(═O)NH—C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)OC₁-C₆ alkyl, or OC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is OC₁-C₆ alkyl, SC₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(m)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, (CH₂)_(m)C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is phenyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyrazyl, (CH₂)_(m)imidazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)oxazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)isoxazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)thiazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyridyl, (CH₂)_(m)isothiazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)phenyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyrrolyl, or (CH₂)_(m)pyrimidyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is C(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, NHC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)N(CH₃)₂, C(═O)N(Et)₂, C(═O)NH—C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)OC₁-C₆ alkyl, or OC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, and R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is OC₁-C₆ alkyl, SC₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(m)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, (CH₂)_(m)C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, or C₂-C₆ alkynyl, and R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is phenyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, (CH₂)_(m)imidazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyrazyl, (CH₂)_(m)oxazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)isoxazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)thiazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)isothiazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)phenyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyrrolyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyridyl, or (CH₂)_(m)pyrimidyl, and R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In a more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is Ar₁ or CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is unsubstituted phenyl, mono substituted phenyl, unsubstituted pyridyl, or unsubstituted pyrrolyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IA1-IA5, where X is O, q=zero, and R₅ is Ar₁ or CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is unsubstituted phenyl, mono substituted phenyl, unsubstituted pyridyl, or unsubstituted pyrrolyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA or IB, where R₁ and R₂ form a fused phenyl group, X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA or IB, where R₁ and R₂ form a fused pyridyl group, X is O, q=1, Y is O, and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, mono-halo C₁-C₆ alkyl, CN, di-halo C₁-C₆ alkyl, CF₃, CN, or O—C₁-C₆ alkyl, and R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is halogen, cyano, CF₃, or methoxy, R₂ is H or methyl, R′ is H, halogen, or methyl, and R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R′ is halogen, CF₃, or C₁-C₃ alkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is halogen; R₂ is H or methyl, R′ is H, halogen, or methyl; and R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₅-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, IA5, IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where R₁ is halogen; R₂ is H or methyl, R′ is H, halogen, or methyl; and R₅ is CH₂—C₄-alkyl or CH₂—C₅— alkyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is phenyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, or thiazolyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ and R₂ form pyrrolo, imidazolo, oxazolo, or thiazolo.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is isoxazolyl or isothiazolyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is quinolyl or isoquinolyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is pyrimidyl or purinyl.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is indolyl, isoindolyl, or benzimidazolyl.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is halo phenyl.

In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is dihalophenyl or dihalopyridyl.

In another more specific embodiment, invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, where Ar₁ is mono- or di-halothienyl, mono- or di-halofuryl, mono- or di-halobenzothienyl, or mono- or di-halobenzofuryl.

In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is o-, m-, or p-xylyl or o-, m-, or p-anisyl.

In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is m- or p-cyanophenyl or m- or p-cyanomethyl phenyl.

In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is C₂-C₅ alkylphenyl.

In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is CH₂Ar₁ or CH₂CH₂—Ar₁, where Ar₁ is 3,5-dichlorophenyl or 3,5-difluorophenyl.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is phenyl or pyridyl, R₃ and R₄ are H or C₁-C₆ alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted with one or two groups selected from OH, OMe; R₁ is CN, CH₂CN, or halogen; q is 1; and X and Y are both O.

In another subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is phenyl or pyridyl, R₁ is F, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, or CF₂CF₃, q is 1, and X and Y are both O.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is phenyl or pyridyl, R₁ is OC₁-C₆ alkyl or C(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₁ or R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is phenyl or pyridyl, R₁ is C(═O)OC₁-C₆ alkyl or OC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is phenyl or pyridyl, R₁ is C₂-C₆ alkenyl or C₂-C₆ alkynyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where where R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, Ar₁ is phenyl or pyridyl, R₁ is SC₁-C₆ alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is phenyl or pyridyl, R₃ and R₄ are H or C₁-C₃ alkyl, R₁ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, q is zero, and X is O.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is phenyl or pyridyl; R₃ and R₄ are H or C₁-C₃ alkyl; R₁ is C₁-C₆ alkyl; q is 1; and X is O.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is phenyl or pyridyl, R₃ and R₄ are H or C₁-C₃ alkyl, R₁ is CN, CH₂CN, or halogen, q is 1, Y is O, and X is O.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is thienyl, furyl, benzothienyl, or benzofuryl; R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, methyl, or ethyl; and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, or thiazolyl; R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, methyl, or ethyl; and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where R₅ is Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where Ar₁ is isoxazolyl or isothiazolyl; R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, methyl, or ethyl; and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, where the alkyl group is substituted with one or two groups selected, independently, from OH, OMe, OEt, F, CF₃, Cl, or CN.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R₆ is H or methyl, and where the cycloalkyl group is substituted with Me, OH, OMe, OEt, F, CF₃, Cl, or CN.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is (CH₂)_(w)—C₅-C₆ cycloalkyl or (CH₂)_(w)—C₅-C₆ heterocycloalkyl.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is CH═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the E configuration.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is CH═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the Z configuration.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is CH₂—CH═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the E configuration.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is CH₂CH═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the Z configuration.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is CH═CH—CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the E configuration. In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is CH═CH—CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the Z configuration.

In another, more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl, where the cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl group is monosubstituted.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is CH═CH—CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl or CH═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl, where the cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl group is monosubstituted.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which q is zero and R₅ is CH₂—C₄-alkyl or CH₂—C₅— alkyl.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is C₂-C₆ alkynyl.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, in which R₅ is C₂-C₆ alkenyl.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, or IA5, where X is O, R₂, R′, and R₃ are H, and q=zero.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is O, R₂, R′, and R₃ are H, and q=zero.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, or IA5, where X is O, R₂, and R′ are H, R₃ and R₄ are methyl or methoxy, and q=zero.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is O, R₂, and R′ are H, R₃ and R₄ are methyl or methoxy, and q=zero.

In a more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IB1-IB5, where X is O; q=1; Y is O; and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or CH═CH—CH₂—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl.

In a still more specific subgeneric embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of any of formulas IB1-IB5, where X is O; q=1; Y is O; and R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted with methoxy, methylthio, or halogen.

In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA1, IA2, IA3, IA4, or IA5, where X is O, R₂, and R′ are H, R₃ and R₄ are methyl or methoxy, R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl, and q=zero.

In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IB1, IB2, IB3, IB4 or IB5, where X is O, R₂, and R′ are H, R₃ and R₄ are methyl or methoxy, R₅ is C₅-C₆ alkyl, and q=zero.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term heterocycloalkyl denotes a saturated carbocyclic moiety in which one or more ring carbon atoms is replaced by an atom selected from O, N, and S. As used herein, the term heterocycloalkenyl denotes a mono- or poly-unsaturated carbocyclic moiety in which one or more ring carbon atoms is replaced by an atom selected from O, N, and S. As used herein, the term heteroaryl denotes a mono- or bi-cyclic aromatic ring system with one or more ring atoms equal to O, N, and/or S.

Prophetic Examples

The examples below are intended to illustrate—but not to limit—the range of compounds contemplated by this invention.

Preparation of Compounds Preparation of Compounds as Potential KCNQ Channel Opener

Section I. The preparation of compounds of formula VIII is outlined in Scheme 1.

Section II. The preparation of compounds of formula XI is outlined in Scheme 2.

Section III. The preparation of compound of formula XIV is outlined in Scheme 3.

Section IV. The preparation of compound of formula XV is outlined in Scheme 4.

Section V. The preparation of compound of formula XVI is outlined in Scheme 5.

Section VI. The preparation of compound of formula XX is outlined in Scheme 6.

EXAMPLES Example 1 N-(6-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-2,4-dimethylpyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide

Step 1. Synthesis of 2,4-dimethylnicotinic acid, 1a

A mixture of ethyl 2,4-dimethylnicotinate (3.58 g, 20 mmol) and an aqueous solution of NaOH (10M, 20 ml) in ethanol (20 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and methanol (200 ml) was added follow by aqueous HCl (10 M) to adjust pH to 7. The resulting precipitated (NaCl) was filtered off.

The filtrated was concentrated to remain approximately 20 ml and methanol (100 ml) was added again to precipitate the remaining sodium chloride. The precipitation (NaCl) was repeated until all NaCl was removed from methanolic solution of the reaction mixture. The mixture was concentrated to dryness to yield 1a (3.01 g, 19.9 mmol, 99%).

Step 2. Synthesis of 2,4-dimethyl-3-aminopyridine, 1b

A mixture of 1a (0.98 g, 6.5 mmol) and thionyl chloride (5 ml) was heated to 60° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was concentrated to dryness. The mixture was then dissolved in acetone (10 ml) prior to the addition of NaN₃ (0.65 g, 10 mmol) and water (5 ml). The solution was heated to 70° C. for 1 hour. Acetone was evaporated from the reaction mixture which was washed with brine and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield 1b (0.585 g, 4.79 mmol, 74%).

Step 3. Synthesis of 6-bromo-2,4-dimethyl-3-aminopyridine, 1c

A solution of bromine in dichloromethane (0.96 g in 5 ml) was added to a solution of 1b (0.585, 4.79 mmol) in dichloromethane (25 ml) at 0° C. over 5 minutes. The mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours. The mixture was washed with brine, extracted with ethyl acetate and chromatographed to yield 3c (0.364 g, 1.81 mmol, 38%).

Step 4. Synthesis of N-(6-bromo-2,4-dimethylpyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide, 1d

To a mixture of 1c (0.364 g, 1.81 mmol) and pyridine (0.158 ml, 2 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 ml) was added tert-butylacetyl chloride (0.242 g, 1.8 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was washed with brine and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield 1d (0.361 g, 1.64 mmol, 91%).

Step 5. Synthesis of N-(6-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-2,4-dimethylpyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide

In a tube, a mixture of 1d (0.299 g, 1.0 mmol), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (0.20 g, 1.5 mmol) in toluene (10 ml) was degassed by nitrogen flow for 15 minutes. To this mixture was added tris(dichlorobenzylidenacetone)palladium (0) (0.046 g, 0.05 mmol), 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′-(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl (0.06 g, 0.15 mmol) and potassium tert-butoxide (0.168 g, 1.5 mmol). The tube was heated under microwave irradiation (Biotage Initiator®) for 2 hour at 100° C. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, washed with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield the title product (0.278 g, 0.79 mmol, 79%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 1.14 (s, 9H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.93 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.84 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 4.66 (s, 2H), 6.39 (s, 1H), 6.49 (bs, 1H), 7.15-7.19 (m, 4H).

Example 2 N-(6-(6-fluoro-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-2,4-dimethylpyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide

In a tube, a mixture of 1d (0.65 g, 2.15 mmol), 6-fluoro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (0.348 g, 2.6 mmol) in toluene (15 ml) was degassed by nitrogen flow for 15 minutes. To this mixture was added tris(dichlorobenzylidenacetone)palladium (0) (0.052 g, 0.055 mmol), 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′-(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl (0.08 g, 0.2 mmol) and potassium tert-butoxide (0.437 g, 3.9 mmol). The tube was heated under microwave irradiation (Biotage Initiator®) for 6 hour at 100° C. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, washed with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield the title compound (0.584 g, 1.58 mmol, 73%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 1.14 (s, 9H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.91 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.82 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 6.50 (bs, 1H), 6.85-6.92 (m, 2H), 7.09-7.16 (m, 1H).

Example 3 N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-(6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide

In a tube, a mixture of 1d (0.374 g, 1.25 mmol), 6-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (0.301 g, 1.5 mmol) in toluene (15 ml) was degassed by nitrogen flow for 15 minutes. To this mixture was added tris(dichlorobenzylidenacetone)palladium (0) (0.037 g, 0.04 mmol), 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′-(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl (0.06 g, 0.15 mmol) and potassium tert-butoxide (0.336 g, 3.0 mmol). The tube was heated under microwave irradiation (Biotage Initiator®) for 6 hour at 100° C. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, washed with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield the title compound (0.326 g, 0.78 mmol, 63%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 1.14 (s, 9H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.91 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.82 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 6.39 (s, 1H), 6.55 (bs, 1H), 6.98 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (s, 1H).

Example 4 N-(2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-5-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide

Step 1. Synthesis of 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-5-nitropyrimidine, 4a

Triflic anhydride (4.25 g, 15 mmol) was added to a suspension of tetramethylammonium nitrate (2.04 g, 15 mmol) in dichloromethane (40 ml) at 0° C. over 15 minutes. The mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours and then a solution of 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine (1.75 g in 10 ml, 10 mmol) was added to the mixture over 30 minutes. The mixture was stirred for 2 days. The reaction mixture was poured into ice bath, washed with an aqueous solution of NaHCO₃ and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic layer was washed with brine, concentrated to dryness to yield 4a (2.13 g, 9.73 mmol, 97%).

Step 2. Synthesis of 2-(4,6-dimethoxy-5-nitropyrimidin-2-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, 4b

1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (0.304 g, 2 mmol) was added to a mixture of 4a (0.438 g, 2 mmol) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (0.293 g, 2.2 mmol) in DMF (3 ml) at 0° C. over 5 minutes. The mixture was stirred for an additional 5 minutes at room temperature. The mixture was washed with brine, extracted with ethyl acetate and chromatographed to yield 4b (0.592 g, 1.87 mmol, 94%).

Step 3. Synthesis of 2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-5-amine, 4c

A suspension of Raney®-Nickel in a methanolic solution of 4b (0.57 g in 50 ml, 1.8 mmol) was shaken under 50 psi of hydrogen atmosphere for 12 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated and used for the next step without further purification (0.51 g, 1.78 mmol, 99%).

Step 4. Synthesis of N-(2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-5-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide. 4d

To a mixture of 4c (0.219 g, 0.76 mmol) and pyridine (0.06 g, 0.76 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 ml) was added tert-butylacetyl chloride (0.102 g, 0.76 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was washed with brine and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield the title compound (0.262 g, 0.73 mmol, 96%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 1.10 (s, 9H), 2.20 (s, 2H), 2.90 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (s, 6H), 4.01 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 4.87 (s, 2H), 6.14 (s, 1H), 7.15-7.19 (m, 4H).

Example 5 N-(4,6-dimethoxy-2-(6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)pyrimidin-5-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide

Step 1. Refer to example 4

Step 2. Synthesis of 2-(4,6-dimethoxy-5-nitropyrimidin-2-yl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, 5b

1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (0.669 g, 4.4 mmol) was added to a mixture of 4a (0.438 g, 2 mmol) and 6-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (0.487 g, 2.05 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) at 0° C. over 5 minutes. The mixture was stirred for an additional 5 minutes at room temperature. The mixture was washed with brine, extracted with ethyl acetate and chromatographed to yield 5b (0.76 g, 1.98 mmol, 99%).

Step 3. Synthesis of 4,6-dimethoxy-2-(6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)pyrimidin-5-amine, 5c

A suspension of Raney®-Nickel in a methanolic solution of 5b (0.76 g in 50 ml, 1.98 mmol) was shaken under 50 psi of hydrogen atmosphere for 12 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated and used for the next step without further purification (0.69 g, 1.96 mmol, 99%).

Step 4. Synthesis of N-(4,6-dimethoxy-2-(6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)pyrimidin-5-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide

To a mixture of 5c (0.69 g, 1.96 mmol) and pyridine (0.156 g, 2.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 ml) was added tert-butylacetyl chloride (0.269 g, 2.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was washed with brine and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield the title compound (0.657 g, 1.45 mmol, 72%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 1.10 (s, 9H), 2.20 (s, 2H), 2.95 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (s, 6H), 4.04 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 4.92 (s, 2H), 6.18 (s, 1H), 7.29 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (s, 1H), 7.44 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H).

Example 6 N-(2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-5-yl)-3,3-

Step 1. Synthesis of ethyl 2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-5-carboxylate. 6a

A mixture of ethyl diacetoacetate (17.22 g, 100 mmol), urea (9.61 g, 160 mmol) and HCl (10 M, 4 ml) in ethanol (400 ml) was heated to 90° C. for 12 hours. The mixture was concentrated to remain 200 ml and then was cooled to −20° C. to allow precipitation. The mixture was filtered at room temperature to obtained 6a as solid granulate (5.32 g, 2.71 mmol, 27%).

Step 2. Synthesis of ethyl 2-chloro-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-5-carboxylate, 6b

Phosphorus oxychloride (2.8 ml, 30 mmol) was added to a mixture of 6a (1.47 g, 7.5 mmol), benzyltriethylammonium chloride (1.71 g, 7.5 mmol) and N,N-dimethylaniline (1.82 g, 15 mmol) in acetonitrile (30 ml). The mixture was reflux for 5 hours. The mixture was poured into ice water and neutralized with NaHCO₃. The solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to obtain 6b, (1.02 g, 4.75 mmol, 63%).

Step 3. Synthesis of ethyl 2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-5-carboxylate, 6c

1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (1.086 g, 7.15 mmol) was added to a mixture of 6b (1.02 g, 4.75 mmol) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (0.95 g, 7.13 mmol) in DMSO (5 ml) at 0° C. over 5 minutes. The mixture was stirred for an additional 5 minutes at room temperature. The mixture was washed with brine, extracted with ethyl acetate and chromatographed to yield 6c (1.43 g, 4.5 mmol, 95%).

Step 4. Synthesis of 2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid, 6d

A mixture of 6c (1.43 g, 4.5 mmol) and an aqueous solution of NaOH (10M, 20 ml) in ethanol (20 ml) was refluxed for 6 hours. To the mixture was added 100 ml of water and then the mixture was washed with dichloromethane (100 ml). The aqueous phase was neutralized with hydrochloric acid to pH=6. Product was precipitated at pH=6. After filtration, 6d was obtained as white powder (1.10 g, 3.88 mmol, 86%).

Step 5. Synthesis of 2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-5-amine, 6e

To a cold (−20° C.) thionyl chloride (5 ml) was added 9d (0.8 g, 2.82 mmol). The mixture was heated to 70° C. for 1 hour. Excess thionyl chloride was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in THF (3 ml) and acetone (3 ml) and then trimethylsilyl azide (0.55 ml, 4.25 mmol) was added into the mixture. The mixture was heated to 70° C. for 2 hours. The reaction media was washed with brine, extracted with ethyl acetate. Organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield 6e (0.028 g, 0.11 mmol, 4%).

Step 6. Synthesis of N-(2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-5-yl)-N-(3,3-dimethylbutanoyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide, 6f

To a mixture of 6e (0.028 g, 0.11 mmol) and pyridine (0.03 g, 0.4 mmol) in dichloromethane (2 ml) was added tert-butylacetyl chloride (0.053 g, 0.4 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hour. The mixture was washed with brine and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield 6f (0.031 g, 0.07 mmol, 63%).

Step 7. Synthesis of N-(2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-5-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide.

An aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide (30%, 1 ml) was added to a solution of 6f (0.031 g, 0.07 mmol) in methanol (1 ml) and stirred for 20 hours. The mixture was washed with brine and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield the title compound (0.019 g, 0.054 mmol, 77%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 1.11 (s, 9H), 2.23 (s, 2H), 2.30 (s, 6H), 2.91 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.04 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.89 (s, 2H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 7.17 (dd, J=7.8, 3.4 Hz, 4H).

Example 7 N-(6-(6-fluoro-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-2,4-dimethylpyridin-3-yl)-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)acetamide

Step 1. Synthesis of N-(6-bromo-2,4-dimethylpyridin-3-yl)-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)acetamide

To a mixture of 1c (0.5114 g, 2.54 mmol) and pyridine (0.22 ml, 2.78 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 ml) was added 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)acetyl chloride (0.425 g, 2.78 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was washed with brine and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield 7d (0.72 g, 2.27 mmol, 90%).

Step 2. N-(6-(6-fluoro-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-2,4-dimethylpyridin-3-yl)-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)acetamide

In a tube, a mixture of 7d (0.245 g, 0.77 mmol), 6-fluoro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (0.1876 g, 1.0 mmol) in toluene (5 ml) was degassed by nitrogen flow for 15 minutes. To this mixture was added tris(dichlorobenzylidenacetone)palladium (0) (0.025 g, 0.027 mmol), 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′-(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl (0.04 g, 0.1 mmol) and potassium tert-butoxide (0.336 g, 3.0 mmol). The tube was heated under microwave irradiation (Biotage Initiator®) for 6 hour at 100° C. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, washed with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield the title compound (0.259 g, 0.668 mmol, 87%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.92 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.40 (s, 3H), 3.62 (dd, J=4.3, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 3.80-3.84 (m, 4H), 4.19 (s, 2H), 4.64 (s, 2H), 6.40 (s, 1H), 6.85-6.91 (m, 2H), 7.14 (dd, J=7.9, 7.9 Hz, 1H), 8.21 (bs, 1H).

Example 8 N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-(6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)acetamide

In a tube, a mixture of 7d (0.2 g, 0.6 mmol), 6-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (0.209 g, 0.88 mmol) in toluene (5 ml) was degassed by nitrogen flow for 15 minutes. To this mixture was added tris(dichlorobenzylidenacetone)palladium (0) (0.025 g, 0.027 mmol), 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′-(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl (0.04 g, 0.1 mmol) and potassium tert-butoxide (0.224 g, 2.0 mmol). The tube was heated under microwave irradiation (Biotage Initiator®) for 6 hour at 100° C. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, washed with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, concentrated and chromatographed to yield the title compound (0.262 g, 0.6 mmol, 95%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.96 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 3.37 (s, 3H), 3.62 (dd, J=3.8, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 3.78-3.84 (m, 4H), 4.17 (s, 2H), 4.71 (s, 2H), 6.41 (s, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=7.7, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H) 7.41 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.25 (bs, 1H).

Example 9 N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-(7-(trifluoromethyl)-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide

Bis(dibenzylidineacetone)palladium (4 mg, 0.069 mmol) and (2′-dicyclohexylphosphanyl-biphenyl-2-yl)-dimethylamine (6.5 mg, 0.014 mmol) were added to dry toluene (1 mL purged with argon) and stirred for 15 minutes under argon. Potassium tert-butoxide (34 mg, 0.3 mmol), 1d (50 mg, 0.17 mmol) and 3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,6-naphthyridine (28 mg, 0.14 mmol) were then added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. over night. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature, concentrated and purified by biotage (75% ethyl acetate:hexanes) to afford the tittle compound as a solid. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz) δ 1.03 (s, 9H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 2.15 (s, 2H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 3.03 (t, J=4 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (t, J=4 Hz, 2H), 4.79 (s, 2H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 8.75 (s, 1H), 9.02 (s, 1H).

Example 10 N-(6-(7,8-dihydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-6(5H)-yl)-2,4-dimethylpyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide

Bis(dibenzylidineacetone)palladium (5 mg, 0.009 mmol) and (2′-dicyclohexylphosphanyl-biphenyl-2-yl)-dimethylamine (9 mg, 0.018 mmol) were added to dry toluene (1 mL purged with argon) and stirred for 15 minutes under argon. Potassium tert-butoxide (46 mg, 0.41 mmol), 1d (66 mg, 0.22 mmol) and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine (25 mg, 0.19 mmol) were then added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. over night. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature, concentrated and purified by biotage (75% Ethyl acetate:Hexanes) to afford the tittle compound as a solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 1.15 (s, 9H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 3.06 (t, J=4 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (t, J=4 Hz, 2H), 4.73 (s, 2H), 6.48 (s, 1H), 6.55 (s, 1H), 8.55 (s, 1H), 9.01 (s, 1H).

Example 11 N-(2,4-dimethyl-6-(2-(trifluoromethyl)-7,8-dihydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-6(5H)-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide

Bis(dibenzylidineacetone)palladium (4 mg, 0.07 mmol) and (2′-dicyclohexylphosphanyl-biphenyl-2-yl)-dimethylamine (6.5 mg, 0.014 mmol) were added to dry toluene (1 mL purged with argon) and stirred for 15 minutes under argon. Potassium tert-butoxide (34 mg, 0.31 mmol), 1d (50 mg, 0.18 mmol) and 2-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine (28 mg, 0.14 mmol) were then added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. over night. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature, concentrated and purified by biotage (75% Ethyl acetate:Hexanes) to afford compound 9 as a solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 1.14 (s, 9H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 3.17 (t, J=4 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (t, J=4 Hz, 2H), 4.83 (s, 2H), 6.51 (s, 1H), 8.70 (s, 1H).

Biological Results

Compounds of this invention formula were evaluated as potassium channel modulators by measuring rhubidium release in the following assay.

Methods: PC-12 cells were grown at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ in DMEM/F12 Medium supplemented with 10% horse serum, 5% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, 100 U/ml streptomycin. They were plated in poly-D-lysine-coated 96-well cell culture microplates at a density of 40,000 cells/well and differentiated with 100 ng/ml NGF-7s for 2-5 days. For the assay, the medium was aspirated and the cells were washed once with 0.2 ml in wash buffer (25 mM Hepes, pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM MgCl₂, 0.8 mM NaH₂PO₄, 2 mM CaCl₂). The cells were then loaded with 0.2 ml Rb⁺ loading buffer (wash buffer plus 5.4 mM RbCl₂, 5 mM glucose) and incubated at 37° C. for 2 h. Attached cells were quickly washed three times with buffer (same as Rb⁺ loading buffer, but containing 5.4 mM KCl instead of RbCl) to remove extracellular Rb⁺. Immediately following the wash, 0.2 ml of depolarization buffer (wash buffer plus 15 mM KCl) with or without compounds was added to the cells to activate efflux of potassium ion channels. After incubation for 10 min at room temperature, the supernatant was carefully removed and collected. Cells were lysed by the addition of 0.2 ml of lysis buffer (depolarization buffer plus 0.1% Triton X-100) and the cell lysates were also collected. If collected samples were not immediately analyzed for Rb⁺ contents by atomic absorption spectroscopy (see below), they were stored at 4° C. without any negative effects on subsequent Rb⁺ analysis.

The concentration of Rb⁺ in the supernatants (Rb⁺ _(Sup)) and cell lysates (Rb⁺ _(Lys)) was quantified using an ICR8000 flame atomic absorption spectrometer (Aurora Biomed Inc., Vancouver, B.C.) under conditions defined by the manufacturer. One 0.05 ml samples were processed automatically from microtiter plates by dilution with an equal volume of Rb⁺ sample analysis buffer and injection into an air-acetylene flame. The amount of Rb⁺ in the sample was measured by absorption at 780 nm using a hollow cathode lamp as light source and a PMT detector. A calibration curve covering the range 0-5 mg/L Rb⁺ in sample analysis buffer was generated with each set of plates. The percent Rb⁺ efflux (F) was defined by F=[Rb⁺ _(sup)/(Rb⁺ _(sup)+Rb⁺ _(Lys))]×100%.

The effect (E) of a compound was defined by: E=[(F_(c)−F_(b))/(F_(s)−F_(b))]×100% where the F_(c) is the efflux in the presence of compound in depolarization buffer, F_(b) is the efflux in basal buffer, and F_(s) is the efflux in depolarization buffer, and F_(c) is the efflux in the presence of compound in depolarization buffer. The effect (E) and compound concentration relationship was plotted to calculate an EC₅₀ value, a compound's concentration for 50% of maximal Rb⁺ efflux. The results are shown below. Legend: A: EC50=1 nM-50 nM; B: EC50=50 nM-100 nM; C: EC50=100-200 nM.

TABLE 1 ACTIVITIES OF EXEMPLARY COMPOUNDS COMPOUND ACTIVITY

A

A

A

A

A

B 

1. A compound of formula I

where at least one of W and Z is N; where the moiety below is one of Groups A or B

where Ar is a 1,2-fused, six-membered ring aromatic group, bearing substituents R₁ and R₂ as defined below, and containing zero or one ring nitrogen atom;

there Ar is a 1,2-fused, six-membered ring aromatic group, bearing substituents R₁ and R₂ as defined below, and containing zero or one ring nitrogen atom; where R₁ and R₂, are, independently, H, CN, halogen, CH₂CN, OH, NO₂, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CF₂CF₃, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, NH—C₁-C₆ alkyl, NHC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)N(CH₃)₂, C(═O)N(Et)₂, C(═O)NH—C₁-C₆ alkyl, C(═O)OC₁-C₆ alkyl, OC(═O)C₁-C₆ alkyl, OC₁-C₆ alkyl, SC₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CH₂)_(m)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, (CH₂)_(m)C₃-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, Ar₁, (CH₂)_(m)Ar₁, phenyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, (CH₂)_(m)imidazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyrazyl, furyl, thienyl, (CH₂)_(m)oxazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)isoxazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)thiazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)isothiazolyl, (CH₂)_(m)phenyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyrrolyl, (CH₂)_(m)pyridyl, or (CH₂)_(m)pyrimidyl, which cycloalkyl and said cycloalkenyl groups optionally contain one or two heteroatoms selected independently from O, N, and S, and which alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, imidazolyl, pyrazyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, phenyl, pyrrolyl, pyridyl, or pyrimidyl groups are optionally substituted with one or two groups selected, independently, from OH, halogen, cyano, methyl, ethyl, or trifluoromethyl, where m is zero, 1, or 2; or R₁ and R₂, together with the ring carbon atoms to which they are attached, form a 5- or 6-member fused ring, which ring may be saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, which optionally contains one or two heteroatoms selected independently from O, N, and S, and which is optionally substituted with halogen, CF₃, or C₁-C₃ alkyl; R′ is H, halogen, CF₃, or C₁-C₃ alkyl; R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, CN, halogen, CF₃, OCF₃, OC₁-C₃ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ alkyl, all said C₁-C₃ alkyl groups and said C₁-C₆ alkyl groups optionally substituted with one or two groups selected, independently, from OH, halogen, C₁-C₃ alkyl, OC₁-C₃ alkyl, or trifluoromethyl; X═O or S; Y is O or S; q=1 or 0; R₅ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CR₆═CH—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, CH═CR₆—C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)C₅-C₆ cycloalkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, Ar₁, (CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, CH₂(CHR₆)_(w)Ar₁, or (CHR₆)_(w)CH₂Ar₁, where w=0-3, Ar₁ is a 5- to 10-member mono- or bicyclic aromatic group, optionally containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms selected independently from N, O, and S; R₆ is hydrogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl; where all cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups optionally contain one or two ring heteroatoms selected independently from N, O, and S; where all alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups in R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, or Ar₁ are optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected independently from C₁-C₃ alkyl, halogen, OH, OMe, SMe, CN, CH₂F, and trifluoromethyl; where, additionally, all cycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl groups are optionally substituted with either an exocyclic carbon-carbon double bond or a carbonyl group; and where, additionally, the alkenyl and alkynyl groups are also optionally substituted with phenyl or C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 2. The compound of claim 1, where the group


3. The compound of claim 2, which is a compound of formula IA-1


4. The compound of claim 3 which is a compound of formula IA-1a


5. The compound of claim 4 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, methoxy, or trifluoromethyl.
 6. The compound of claim 5 wherein R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 7. The compound of claim 6, wherein R₅ is C₃-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and where R₅ is optionally substituted with halogen, hydroxy, or methoxy.
 8. The compound of claim 7 wherein R₁ is H, F, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 9. The compound of claim 8 wherein both W and Z are N.
 10. The compound of claim 8 wherein one of W and Z is N and the other is C.
 11. The compound of claim 9 or claim 10 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, methyl, or methoxy.
 12. The compound of claim 3 which is a compound of formula IA-1b


13. The compound of claim 12 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, methoxy, or trifluoromethyl.
 14. The compound of claim 13 wherein R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 15. The compound of claim 14, wherein R₅ is C₃-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and where R₅ is optionally substituted with halogen, hydroxy, or methoxy.
 16. The compound of claim 15 wherein R₁ is H, F, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 17. The compound of claim 16 wherein both W and Z are N.
 18. The compound of claim 16 wherein one of W and Z is N and the other is C.
 19. The compound of claim 17 or claim 18 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, methyl, or methoxy.
 20. The compound of claim 2, which is a compound of formula IA2


21. The compound of claim 20 wherein X is O, Y is O, and q is 0 or
 1. 22. The compound of claim 21 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, methoxy, or trifluoromethyl.
 23. The compound of claim 22 wherein R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 24. The compound of claim 23, wherein R₅ is C₃-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and where R₅ is optionally substituted with halogen, hydroxy, or methoxy.
 25. The compound of claim 24 wherein R₁ is H, F, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 26. The compound of claim 25 wherein both W and Z are N.
 27. The compound of claim 25 wherein one of W and Z is N and the other is C.
 28. The compound of claim 26 or claim 27 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, methyl, or methoxy.
 29. The compound of claim 2, which is a compound of formula IA3.


30. The compound of claim 29 wherein X is O, Y is O, and q is 0 or
 1. 31. The compound of claim 30 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, methoxy, or trifluoromethyl.
 32. The compound of claim 31 wherein R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 33. The compound of claim 32, wherein R₅ is C₃-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and where R₅ is optionally substituted with halogen, hydroxy, or methoxy.
 34. The compound of claim 33 wherein R₁ is H, F, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 35. The compound of claim 34 wherein both W and Z are N.
 36. The compound of claim 34 wherein one of W and Z is N and the other is C.
 37. The compound of claim 35 or claim 36 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, methyl, or methoxy.
 38. The compound of claim 2, which is a compound of formula IA4.


39. The compound of claim 38 wherein X is O, Y is O, and q is 0 or
 1. 40. The compound of claim 39 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, methoxy, or trifluoromethyl.
 41. The compound of claim 40 wherein R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 42. The compound of claim 41, wherein R₅ is C₃-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and where R₅ is optionally substituted with halogen, hydroxy, or methoxy.
 43. The compound of claim 42 wherein R₁ is H, F, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 44. The compound of claim 43 wherein both W and Z are N.
 45. The compound of claim 43 wherein one of W and Z is N and the other is C.
 46. The compound of claim 44 or claim 45 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, methyl, or methoxy.
 47. The compound of claim 2, which is a compound of formula IA5.


48. The compound of claim 47 wherein X is O, Y is O, and q is 0 or
 1. 49. The compound of claim 48 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, methoxy, or trifluoromethyl.
 50. The compound of claim 49 wherein R₁ and R₂ are, independently, H, halogen, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 51. The compound of claim 50, wherein R₅ is C₃-C₆ alkyl or CH₂—C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl and where R₅ is optionally substituted with halogen, hydroxy, or methoxy.
 52. The compound of claim 51 wherein R₁ is H, F, methyl, or trifluoromethyl.
 53. The compound of claim 52 wherein both W and Z are N.
 54. The compound of claim 52 wherein one of W and Z is N and the other is C.
 55. The compound of claim 53 or claim 54 wherein R₃ and R₄ are, independently, H, methyl, or methoxy.
 56. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I according to claim 1 with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 57. A method of preventing or treating a disease or disorder which is affected by activities of potassium channels, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I according to claim 1, or a salt, ester, or prodrug thereof.
 58. A compound having the structural formula:


59. A compound having the structural formula: 